Abstract
Scotland is unique in having an established church that does not run its own schools; it is also unique in having a minority denominational sector that is dominated by one church alone. National debate on religion is locked in Scotland because closed minds prevail. ‘There is no alternative.’ The debate is conducted oblivious to faith arrangements in other European countries, and regardless of the need to reach some new accommodation. The Census of 2001 reveals Scotland's high rate of ‘secularisation’, the variable balance between denominations in different parts of the country, and the presence in all cities of other religions. Arrangements decided a century ago just do not fit the facts of faith today. Scotland cannot continue to seek assimilation, and sustain outdated arrangements; some new forms of integration are required. Inexorably the debate is being reopened because new legislation, based on the principles of human rights, is penetrating the fabric of Scottish political culture.